Danny Dyer Lands Leading Role in Historic Channel 4 Drama 'The Siege'
EastEnders icon Danny Dyer, renowned for his portrayal of Mick Carter on the BBC soap, has secured a pivotal role in a gripping new historical drama. The 48-year-old actor, who departed Albert Square over three years ago, will star as the heroic Police Constable Trevor Lock in 'The Siege', a six-part series based on the 1980 Iranian embassy siege in London.
Plot and Production Details
The drama, which commences filming this week, delves into the harrowing events that unfolded in South Kensington more than four decades ago. Dyer's character, PC Lock, was on guard duty when he was taken hostage alongside 25 others during the six-day standoff. The series culminates in the dramatic SAS raid that was broadcast live on television, resulting in the deaths of five out of six terrorists.
Adapted from Ben Macintyre's book by scriptwriter Will Smith, 'The Siege' is directed by BAFTA winner Lewis Arnold and executive produced by Patrick Spence, known for his work on 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office'. The cast also includes Downton Abbey's Lewis Doyle and The Crown's Alex Jennings, among others.
Channel 4 and ARTE France Collaboration
Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer at Channel 4, praised the project as a 'heart-stopping, emotional thriller' that explores the motivations of the hostage-takers and the human realities inside the embassy. He emphasized that the series aims to reshape public understanding of the siege and highlight the precarious nature of the SAS operation.
Alexandre Piel, Deputy Head of Drama at ARTE France, expressed honour in partnering with Channel 4 for this co-production. He lauded Will Smith's adaptation for blending thriller elements with emotional depth, describing it as an intense, moving, and occasionally humorous portrayal of a tragic historical moment.
Tribute to PC Trevor Lock
The announcement follows less than a year after the passing of PC Trevor Lock at age 85. A Police Federation spokesperson recalled his bravery, noting that he calmed fellow hostages, acted as an intermediary, and tackled a gunman during the storming. Lock was awarded the George Medal for his 'outstanding courage, sustained bravery, calmness and devotion to duty'.
This major commission underscores Channel 4's commitment to high-quality British drama, promising viewers a compelling and historically insightful series.
